What Type Of Candle Is Most Popular?

Candles have been used for thousands of years to provide light and warmth. Today, they remain incredibly popular not just for their practical uses, but also as decorative items and for creating ambiance. The flickering flame of a candle creates a cozy atmosphere and pleasant scent. Candles come in a huge variety of styles, colors, scents, and sizes to suit any preference. They are commonplace in many homes and are frequently given as gifts. The global candle market is estimated to be worth around $7 billion. Candles are beloved for their nostalgic and romantic associations.

This article will explore the most popular types of candles, including the leading scents, brands, materials, and styles. It will provide a comprehensive look at the current candle market. There are many factors that make certain candles more popular than others. By understanding what consumers look for in a candle, we can gain insight into current home decor and lifestyle trends.

History of Candles

The first candles are believed to have been created by ancient Egyptians, who made torches by soaking pithy reeds in melted animal fat. These early “candles” provided light and were used in religious ceremonies. Over time, candle designs evolved to use beeswax and tallow, and wicks were added to better control the burning. Candles became commonplace in ancient Rome and Greece, used in homes and temples.

In the Middle Ages, candle making became an established craft in Europe. Candles were made from tallow (beef or mutton fat) and beeswax. Beeswax candles were expensive, so they were reserved for churches and the wealthy. The poor used tallow candles. Candle wicks were made from twisted strands of fabric.

In the 18th century, spermaceti wax from sperm whales replaced tallow as the primary candle wax, producing brighter light. Paraffin wax emerged in the 1850s as a cheaper alternative to beeswax and spermaceti. Paraffin allowed candle making to become industrialized in the 1900s. Today, paraffin is the most common candle wax, along with soy and beeswax.

Over thousands of years, candles evolved from simple functional lighting to an artisanal craft and decoration.

Sources:
https://candles.org/history/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_candle_making

Most Popular Candle Scents

When it comes to the most popular scented candle varieties based on sales data, there are a few key fragrances that consistently rank at the top.

According to research from Shane Co., some of the most popular candle scents in the United States include:

• Vanilla – Known for its warm, sweet, and soothing aroma, vanilla is a top seller across the country.
• Lavender – With its floral and herbaceous notes, lavender is beloved for its relaxing and calming scent.
• Fresh linen/laundry – Reminiscent of clean sheets dried outdoors, this fresh and crisp scent is very popular.
• Pumpkin – Especially popular during the fall season, pumpkin candles evoke cozy and nostalgic feelings.
• Cinnamon – This spicy, aromatic scent conjures up memories of the holidays and seasonal baking.

Other frequently top-selling scented candle varieties include citrus scents like lemon and grapefruit, woodsy scents like pine and cedarwood, and gourmand scents like vanilla, sugar cookie, and apple pie.

Luxury candle brands like Boy Smells, Diptyque, and Nest also report their proprietary original scents like Kaffe, Ambre, and Moroccan Amber ranking among their best-selling candle fragrances.

While personal scent preferences vary greatly, these popular, crowd-pleasing aromas offer a comforting, inviting, and often nostalgic sensory experience for candle lovers.

Most Popular Candle Brands

When it comes to the most popular candle brands, a few names stand out from the rest. According to recent sales data and customer reviews, the top brands in the candle industry include Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works, Voluspa, Diptyque, and Nest Candles.

Yankee Candle is often ranked as the #1 best selling candle brand. Founded in 1969, the company offers an enormous selection of candle scents in various jar shapes and sizes (over 600 fragrances!). Their candles are made from a paraffin wax blend and are praised for their long-lasting scent throw. Popular picks include Clean Cotton, Pineapple Cilantro, and Sage & Citrus.

Bath & Body Works is another candle giant, with over 150 signature fragrances. Their 3-wick candles provide exquisite scent diffusion thanks to the triple wicks and proprietary wax blend. Top sellers from this brand include Mahogany Teakwood, Fresh Balsam, and Cucumber Melon.

Voluspa and Diptyque are very popular among luxury candle enthusiasts. Their candles use unique fragrance blends, featuring exotic botanical ingredients and elegant packaging. Lastly, Nest Candles are celebrated for their clean-burning soy wax and sophisticated scents like Sicilian Tangerine and Moroccan Amber.

Paraffin vs Soy vs Beeswax

There are three main types of wax used in candle making: paraffin, soy, and beeswax. Each has its own unique properties and advantages.

Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum. It is inexpensive and makes candles that are hard, long-lasting, and have a high melting point (https://jessicawellinginteriors.com/best-wax-for-candles/). The downside is that paraffin produces more soot as it burns and is not considered an eco-friendly option. However, many mass-market candle brands still use paraffin because of its affordable price point.

Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is a renewable and sustainable resource that produces a smooth, even burn (https://www.candlesbyluma.com/blogs/news/soy-candles-vs-beeswax-candles). The natural texture also holds fragrance oils better than paraffin. The drawbacks are that soy wax is softer and does not retain scent as long after burning. It also costs more than paraffin.

Beeswax is secreted by honeybees to create their honeycomb. It is the most natural option and considered non-toxic (https://www.marthastewart.com/8061950/candle-wax-type-guide). Beeswax has a lovely natural honey aroma, produces almost no soot, and burns brighter than other waxes. However, it is the most expensive option and can be prone to frosting and sweating.

Many candle makers blend waxes to get the ideal properties. For example, mixing beeswax with paraffin or soy can help reduce frosting and improve burn quality. Ultimately the wax type depends on the candle purpose, budget, and personal preferences.

Jar vs Pillar vs Votive Candles

Candles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the most popular candle shapes are jars, pillars, and votives. Each shape has its own unique characteristics and benefits.

Jar candles are one of the most common candle styles. They come in glass jars and often have fruity, floral, or bakery scents. According to a recent survey by the National Candle Association, jar candles accounted for 40% of the candle market. Their wide mouths allow the fragrance to disperse well throughout a room. Their short, wide shape gives them a long burn time, usually 45-60 hours. Jar candles work nicely as stand-alone decor or grouped together. Popular jar candle brands include Yankee Candle and Bath & Body Works.

Pillar candles have a classic, elegant look. They come in cylinder or tapered shapes, typically 2″-3″ in diameter. Pillars work well in candle holders and candelabras. As the wax pool sinks down during burning, the flame remains at the tip of the wick. This allows pillars to burn slowly and evenly for up to 80 hours. Beeswax and soy wax pillars are popular eco-friendly options. Luxury brands like Voluspa and Jo Malone make appealing pillar candles.

Votive candles are a popular choice for candle holders, lanterns, and small accent lighting. Their diminutive size makes them ideal for dinner tables, mantels, and shelves. Votives burn for 5-10 hours. While not as strong scented as larger candles, they offer affordable ambiance. Votive candles account for around 13% of candle sales. Leading votive brands include Yankee Candle, Chesapeake Bay Candle, and Homesick.

In summary, jars offer strong fragrance, pillars provide classic ambiance, and votives work well for small spaces and containers. Each shape serves distinct decorative purposes for different needs and preferences.

Candle Safety Tips

When using candles, it’s important to follow safety precautions to prevent fires and injuries. Here are some tips for safe candle usage:

• Keep candles away from anything flammable like curtains, furniture, bedding, clothes, etc. Candles should be placed on a sturdy, nonflammable surface at least 12 inches from anything that can burn (National Fire Protection Association, n.d.).
• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles before leaving a room and before going to sleep (National Fire Protection Association, n.d.).
• Do not burn candles near pets or small children. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets (Candles.org, n.d.).
• Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid high flames and soot. Long or neglected wicks cause more smoke and dripping wax (Candles.org, n.d.).
• Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily. Taper and pillar candles need to be in sturdy candle holders (National Fire Protection Association, n.d.).
• Read and follow all manufacturer instructions (National Fire Protection Association, n.d.).
• Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans, etc. This helps prevent rapid, uneven burning and dripping wax (Candles.org, n.d.).

Following basic precautions will help ensure safe candle usage and prevent fires or injuries. It’s important to never leave burning candles unattended.

Decorative Uses

Candles can add a beautiful decorative touch to any space in your home. They create a warm, cozy ambiance and can be used in creative ways to elevate the decor. Candles come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing you to coordinate them with your existing decor or create a whole new decorative theme.

Small tea lights and votives clustered together make lovely centerpieces for tables, mantels, and shelves. Arrange them in glass vases, bowls, or candle holders for a simple yet elegant look. Floating candles in glass jars or bowls filled with water creates a serene, spa-like atmosphere. For more drama, gather pillars, tapers, or various sized candles together on candle stands at different heights.

Spell out words or messages using a series of candleholders and coordinating candles for a unique focal point. Line staircases or walkways with an assortment of candle lanterns or luminaries. Place candles of varying heights in the center of wreaths or garlands to add warmth and shimmer.

Candles make excellent seasonal accents as well. Adorn mantels and tablescapes with rows of candles in autumnal colors and scents for fall. For Christmas, display red and green candles in the living room and entryway. Also decorate the table for holiday meals with pinecones, ornaments, and candles for an inviting setting.

With a little creativity and strategic placement, candles can be used decoratively throughout the home to set the desired mood or complement your decor.

Candle Care

Proper care is essential for making candles last as long as possible. Here are some tips for extending the life of your candles:

• Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. This prevents excessive smoking and uneven burning.
• Allow the wax pool to form completely across the top of the candle before extinguishing the flame. This helps the candle burn evenly.
• Use a candle snuffer or spoon to extinguish the flame. Blowing it out can cause smoke and an uneven melt pool.
• Keep the wax pool free of debris like match sticks. These items can affect proper melting.
• Avoid drafts and open windows which can cause the candle to tunnel or burn unevenly.
• Store the candle upright when not in use. This prevents warping or leaning.
• Dust the top of the candle occasionally to keep it clean. Use a soft cloth or brush.
• Move the candle to a different spot if it develops air bubbles or discoloration. This can refresh the melt pool.

With proper care, trimming, and storage, candles can burn for their full lifetime. It’s also important to never leave a burning candle unattended. Follow the wick trimming, placement, and burn time recommendations from the manufacturer. With a little effort, your favorite candles can last longer.

Conclusion

In summary, through our exploration of the various factors that contribute to a candle’s popularity, a few key findings emerge. First and foremost, scent appears to be the most important driver of consumer preference when it comes to candles. Scents like lavender, vanilla, and sandalwood rank among the most favored. Brands like Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works, and Voluspa have honed in on pleasing scent profiles that keep customers coming back. When it comes to format, the traditional jar candle still dominates the market, likely thanks to its versatility, customizability with labels, and familiarity. However, pillar candles and votives have their place as well in terms of decorative value and burn time. The popularity of natural wax alternatives like soy wax and beeswax speaks to consumer demand for eco-conscious products. While paraffin wax still enjoys widespread use, there is a growing contingent of shoppers seeking greener candles. Safety and proper care remain paramount no matter the candle type in order to prevent issues like soot buildup and wick damage. Taking these factors together, the quintessential popular candle likely features a prominently scented soy wax or beeswax blend in a decorated glass jar vessel.